Cross-sectional Radiographer

Job responsibilities

Clinical responsibilities:To take a lead role in the running of CT scanning based at DVH site and deputise for the lead CT radiographer in their absence when required.To take an advanced role in the Radiology departmentTo assess the clinical justification of Radiography referrals in line with both national regulations (IRMER 2017) and local protocols.Using CRIS, to accurately vet all requests to ensure the examination requested is justified and to take appropriate action if there is any doubt in this regard.To work closely with the clerical team by providing booking notes when vetting so that appointments can be booked in the appropriate timeframe for the clinical need.To act with delegated authority as practitioner for plain film radiography referrals.To act as an operator under IRMER (2017).To liase with referral source where clarification is required regarding selection of the most clinically appropriate imaging examination.To act as a point of advice for imaging referrers.To act as a point of advice for patient enquiries regarding their referral.To act as a patient and staff advocate in Radiation protection issues.To assess specific communication needs of individual patients.To ensure patients have agreed to exposure to Ionising Radiation prior to the examination.To communicate effectively and empathetically with patients and their escorts prior to, during and after an examination.To acquire diagnostic CT images for all examinations taking into account patient limitations and adapting standard techniques where necessary.To match the clinical indications presented by the referrer to an appropriate departmental protocol in CT scanning.To operate advanced software on specialised Radiological equipment, requiring excellent hand-eye co-ordination, e.g. bolus chasing, image reformatting and dynamic imaging.To review images and ensure that supplementary imaging procedures are considered prior to patient departure from the Department.To ensure that images are presented for reporting purposes in a timely and accurate manner.To ensure that urgent findings are communicated and patients are directed accordingly.To flag radiographic abnormalities using the appropriate system of work in place, e.g red dot system.To review and comment on continuing appropriateness of imaging protocols.To participate in the delivery of an out of hours service.To work unsupervised within the out of hours arrangements.To set up and clear a basic sterile trolley for interventional procedures.To ensure appropriate infection control measures are utilised where necessary. Pay particular attention to personal protection as well as the management of equipment and linens contaminated by bodily fluids.To participate in patient monitoring or administration of oxygen under supervision.To ascertain from the patient, patients guardian or the referrer, patients suitability for receipt of intravenous contrast media.To perform/supervise junior staff in intravenous cannulation and manual injection of contrast agent.To administer intravenous contrast media using a pressure injector.

Managerial responsibilities:To deputise for the Superintendents as required, ensuring that available resources are used efficiently and effectivelyParticipate in all aspects of patient record keeping undertaken within the department, including entering data on CRISDemonstrate a planned approach to managing timeConsider other people and available resourcesEnsure that all Health and Safety regulations, Data Protection Act, Trust and Directorate policies and are implemented and adhered toBe aware of the Trusts key targets and objectivesReport all equipment faults or unsafe areas to the Clinical Superintendent of that areaTo liaise with other departments/wards within the hospital and various external sources in order to provide a quality service to patients and clinicians.To effectively liaise with all disciplines of staff within the X-ray department giving support and advice where necessary.To provide guidance to external users regarding the priority and deployment of radiographic resources e.g. ITU / Paediatric access to CT.To participate in the safe transfer of patients and equipment within the department and Hospital, using manual handling guidelines and risk assessment.To communicate negotiated changes to staff rotas to Supt. Radiographers.To organise workload in line with clinical priorities.To lead the out of hours team in work prioritisation, allocation of resources and as a representative of Radiology.To adapt and quickly respond to changes in service, patients or departmental need.To carry a bleep out of hours.To report deficits in the data integrity of the Information systems and PACs in use in the department.To reflect on systems of work and communicate areas of deficit or potential advancement.To attend Departmental meetings where needed.To report clinical, non-clinical and radiation incidents in line with Trust and Departmental Risk Management policies.To enter accurate patient and examination data into CRIS and Sectra PACS.

2. Professional responsibilities:

To observe Trust, departmental, College of Radiographers and Health Professions Council codes of conduct and standards of proficiencyTo maintain State registration as required by the HPCTo participate in mandatory training requirementsUse awareness and initiative to ensure that patients privacy and dignity are maintained and respected.To participate in research and audit in line with departmental procedures.To participate in the development, implementation and updating of departmental policies and procedures.To be an active member of the department and participate in staff meetings, clinical sessions and training programmes.To participate in the development and publishing of evidence based departmental literature for use within and outside of the Trust.

3. Education and development responsibilities:

To keep up to date in all new techniques and trends and be able to demonstrate Continuing Professional DevelopmentUndertake to develop competencies and performance in accordance with service needs, especially when new equipment is installed.To incorporate evaluation into working practices in order to achieve objectives and ensure effectivenessTo reflect and learn from the practice of self and othersTo participate in the practical training of student and junior band radiographers

4. General responsibilities:

To adhere to the Trusts agreed policies and procedures.To promote and develop the equality of opportunity in accordance with the Trusts Equal Opportunities PolicyTo protect the confidentiality of information relating to the Trust, Patient and Staff or other agenciesIt is expected that employees will provide a quality service to both internal and external agencies. The post holder is required to participate in and develop clinical governance within their sphere of responsibility.All Trust employees are required to be familiar with, and comply with, Trust polices and guidelines for infection control and hand hygiene in order to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections. For clinical staff with direct patient contact, this will include the uniform and dress code policy, the use of personal protective equipment guidance, the guidance on aseptic techniques and the safe handling and disposal of sharps. All staff are required to attend mandatory training in Infection Control and be compliant with all measures known to be effective in reducing healthcare-associated infections.To share in the responsibility for abiding by health and safety policies and regulations, infection prevention and control policies and act in accordance with the Risk Management Policy.It is the responsibility of all staff to minimise the Trust's environmental impact by recycling wherever possible, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment when not in use, minimising water usage and reporting faults promptly.

Education and Training

Essential

• Diploma of the College of Radiographers or BSc in Radiography or equivalent
• State Registered Radiographer
• Certificate of competency in IV cannulation, along with the ability to practise these skills
• Post Graduate Qualification in CT scanning or equivalent experience
• Evidence of CPD

Desirable

• Masters level qualification or equivalent experience
• Management qualification
• St Marks VCT Course

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Ability to work on own initiative and unsupervised
• Good communication skills both written and verbal
• In depth knowledge of all routine radiographic procedures
• A working knowledge of the Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposures) Regulations 2000
• Ability to prioritise workload
• PC skills
• Awareness of NHS agenda
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good IT skills
• IV cannulation skills

Experience

Essential

• 3 years' pre-qualification experience in all areas of Radiography
• 2 years' post-qualification experience for progression to Senior level, once competencies and performance have been achieved
• Experience of providing training/mentoring in IV cannulation for staff within CT
• CTA experience
• CT VCT experience

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Polite, pleasant with an understanding manner
• Adaptable
• Physically capable of moving and positioning various types of patient and equipment
• Able to take part in the on-call rota

Desirable

• Own transport to travel between sites

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).